Alamo Beer Co. hosted a groundbreaking event Friday to begin construction of San Antonio’s largest craft brewery. To be located beneath the historic Hays Street Bridge just east of downtown San Antonio, the brewery is expected to produce up to 40,000 barrels (bbls) or 560,000 cases of beer within its first five to seven years of operation. The brewery will be constructed at a cost of $8 million and the initial employment is expected to be seven and will likely grow to 40 as production increases. The development will also include a beer garden and administrative offices. With construction expected to proceed on schedule, the brewery will be completed and open for business by fall of 2014.

“After years of planning and community dialogue, I am excited to finally begin the process of building a brewery in the Alamo City,” states Eugene Simor, founder and chief executive officer of Alamo Beer. Simor, who calls San Antonio home, began local distribution of ALAMO Golden Ale in 2003. Plans for the brewery include the increased production of its golden ale and the introduction of a lager and various seasonal flavors. “This project is not only important to economic development near the Eastside — it marks the return of production brewing to downtown San Antonio. Additionally, it will provide a great destination for locals and visitors to our city,” concluded Simor.

Identified as a potential catalytic economic development project during the last annual Eastside Summit the brewery is already creating positive momentum for a historically underdeveloped part of San Antonio.

“We are so excited that this investment is being made in East San Antonio,” said District 2 Councilwoman Ivy R. Taylor. “Not only does the Alamo craft brewery bring additional employment opportunities to residents, but it will spur economic development in the area. We look forward to welcoming Alamo Beer Company to the community.”

Since its inception, Alamo Beer has seen overwhelming support from the adjacent neighborhood association. “This is truly an event to note. The Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association [DHNA] has supported this project from the start, and it’s wonderful to see it come to fruition! The building of Alamo Brewery represents a great step forward for the near Eastside, our historic neighborhood and the city,” exclaimed Juan A. Garcia, president, DHNA.

Additionally, the brewery is poised to become a point of interest for the millions of visitors to the Alamo City. San Antonio continues to identify itself as a food and drink destination, Alamo Beer Company will be a tremendous asset as the entrance to the eastside.

“The Alamo Beer Company craft brewery and beer garden is adding another special attraction to San Antonio’s growing tourism industry. This will attract a niche of beer enthusiasts and people who identify Alamo Beer with San Antonio and Texas,” stated Marco A. Barros, president and CEO of the San Antonio Tourism Council.

Funding for the $8 million brewery was completed on Oct. 1, 2013. Working with Southwest Securities, FSB, Alamo Beer secured a $5 million SBA loan to keep the brewery on track. Southwest Securities, FSB, is one of the largest commercial banks headquartered in North Texas, with an office in the San Antonio area. Opened locally in 2012, the bank has promptly established itself in the market and actively seeks opportunities to invest in commercial projects that increase amenities and promote economic development throughout San Antonio.

The structure was designed by the local architecture firm, Lake|Flato and will be constructed by Guido Brothers Construction. Sitting on 1.89 acres, the new brewery will be approximately 1.5 miles from the original Shrine of Texas Liberty where the legendary “Battle of the Alamo” occurred. The 18,000-square foot facility will consist of three independent structures: the brewery and packaging building, beer hall with seating for more than 100 and administration. Glass will be utilized to demonstrate and showcase the functions within the buildings, particularly the brewing process. The most impressive view will be atop the Hays Street Bridge as guests can peer onto family friendly activities in the courtyard below. From that vantage point guests will see the brewery in action and catch a great vista of downtown San Antonio.

ALAMO Golden Ale is currently being brewed in Blanco, Texas, and has expanded distribution into other markets throughout Texas.